Earlier this week we told you about the discussion in the PUP over whether Said Musa should retire earlier than planned - since his baggage may be affecting the PUP's electability. Musa himself told us that the matter has been raised, but he said he was not treating it with urgency. We know that others in the party do see it as urgent. But don't count Party Leader Francis Fonseca as one of them. Today in San Joaquin, he told CTV-3 that there is no plan to ditch the party's elder statesman:...

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition"In the case of Mr. Musa, no such decision has been taken by Mr. Musa or by anybody else in the party at this point."

Reporter"So, so far that could be just as a rumor?"

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition"Yea, at this point it's just speculation. Mr. Musa, as you know has made it clear that he's getting up in age. He has been thinking about that, whether or not he should run in the next elections, that's no secret he has said that. So I think he has yet to make a final decisions to what he wants, but at the end of the day we will respect whatever decision he makes."

Reporter"Should he decide to actually resign from that position or his post, has the party considered or have any particular individual in mind for that?"

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition"No, we haven't reached that none at all. He haven't discussed, as I said Mr. Musa is the representative for Fort George and unless that changes then we will have to discuss that other issue."

Reporter"Would you say that you're worried if that decision should be taken, because that is one of the PUP stronghold so far in the past years?"

Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition"No. I wouldn't be worried at all. I think the PUP can win Fort George. And Mr. Musa will support any candidate who goes into Fort George if he decides to step down."

The 71 year old Musa has won the Fort George division 7 times, the six times in succession.

Rt. Hon. Musa Wonít Retire Anytime Soon

Just over 2 weeks ago, we told you about the discussion within the PUP that elder statesman Said Musa should seriously consider retirement. The talk within the party is that the 71 year-old's baggage may be affecting the Opposition's image to independent voters.

His Party Leader, Francis Fonseca, made it clear that he wa sin no rush to send Musa on his way. So what about the man himself? Well, we put the question directly to him today, and here's his response:

Daniel Ortiz"Is that something that you've considered?"

Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Area Rep. - Fort George"Of course I've considered it, but I will not be guided by what my opposition wants me to do. So, the more Mr. Barrow calls on me, or comments about my age, I need to remind him that I am not the one who have to walk with a walking stick, okay."

Daniel Ortiz"Sir, hasn't voters come to you and suggest that?"

Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Area Rep. - Fort George"No. Not at all. In fact ever since this matter was commented upon in the press, many of my supporters in the Fort George are begging me to stay on."

Reporter"So, you don't believe it is time to retire from political life?"

Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Area Rep. - Fort George"I don't believe it is my time to retire. When I have such a belief I will retire, okay."

Musa has won in the Fort George division 7 times, 6 of them consecutively.